10595277

Uplink Power Control in Dual Connectivity to First or Second Cell Group Based on First or Second Configuration

PublishedMarch 17, 2020
Assigneenot available in USPTO data we have
Technical Abstract

Patent Claims
16 claims

Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.

Claim 1

Original Legal Text

1. A method for performing a power scaling, the method performed by a user equipment (UE) that is configured with dual connectivity to a master cell group (MCG) and a secondary cell group (SCG) in a wireless communicatioin network, the method comprising: determining, by the UE, a first power for a first transmission in a first subframe toward the MCG; determining a second power for a second transmission toward the SCG; and scaling down the second power for the second transmission toward the SCG based on: (i) a total power related to the MCG and the SCG exceeding a maximum power, and (ii) the first transmission toward the MCG in the first subframe overlapping with the second transmission toward the SCG, wherein based on a determination that the scaling down of the second power violates a power reduction criterion: the UE does not perform the second transmission toward the SCG.

Plain English Translation

In wireless communication networks, user equipment (UE) devices often operate in dual connectivity mode, communicating simultaneously with a master cell group (MCG) and a secondary cell group (SCG). A challenge arises when the combined power required for transmissions to both groups exceeds the UE's maximum power capability, particularly when transmissions overlap in the same subframe. This can lead to power scaling conflicts, where reducing power for one transmission may violate regulatory or performance criteria. The invention addresses this issue by providing a method for power scaling in dual-connectivity UEs. The UE first determines the power required for a transmission to the MCG in a given subframe and the power required for a transmission to the SCG. If the total power exceeds the UE's maximum allowable power and the transmissions overlap in time, the UE scales down the power for the SCG transmission. However, if this scaling violates a predefined power reduction criterion (e.g., causing excessive signal degradation or regulatory non-compliance), the UE refrains from performing the SCG transmission entirely. This ensures that power adjustments do not compromise critical communication requirements while maintaining compliance with network and regulatory standards. The method optimizes power allocation dynamically, balancing performance and reliability in dual-connectivity scenarios.

Claim 2

Original Legal Text

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the first power for the first transmission toward the MCG is not scaled down based on the maximum power not being exceeded.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to power control in wireless communication systems, specifically addressing the challenge of managing transmission power in multi-connectivity scenarios where a user equipment (UE) communicates with multiple base stations (e.g., a master cell group (MCG) and a secondary cell group (SCG)). The problem arises when the UE must allocate power between different transmissions while avoiding excessive power consumption or interference. Existing solutions may unnecessarily scale down transmission power even when the total power does not exceed regulatory or system limits, leading to inefficient resource utilization. The invention provides a method for controlling transmission power in a wireless communication system where a UE communicates with at least two base stations. The method involves determining a first power level for a first transmission directed toward the MCG and a second power level for a second transmission directed toward the SCG. Unlike conventional approaches, the first power level is not scaled down if the combined power of the transmissions does not exceed a predefined maximum power limit. This ensures that the UE maintains optimal transmission efficiency without unnecessary power reduction, improving overall system performance and reliability. The method may also include adjusting the second power level for the SCG transmission if the combined power exceeds the maximum limit, ensuring compliance with power constraints while prioritizing critical transmissions. The invention enhances power management in multi-connectivity environments, particularly in scenarios where strict power control is required.

Claim 3

Original Legal Text

3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the first transmission includes transmitting at least one of a first physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) or a first physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH).

Plain English Translation

In wireless communication systems, efficient uplink control and data transmission are critical for maintaining reliable communication between user devices and base stations. A method addresses the need for flexible and robust uplink signaling by enhancing the transmission of control and data channels. The method involves transmitting at least one of a first physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) or a first physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) as part of an initial transmission. The PUCCH is used for transmitting control information, such as acknowledgments, channel state feedback, or scheduling requests, while the PUSCH carries user data. By allowing either or both channels to be included in the first transmission, the method provides flexibility in resource allocation and improves transmission efficiency. This approach ensures that critical control information or data can be prioritized based on network conditions, reducing latency and improving overall system performance. The method is particularly useful in scenarios where rapid feedback or data delivery is required, such as in high-mobility environments or latency-sensitive applications. The inclusion of either PUCCH or PUSCH in the first transmission allows for adaptive resource management, optimizing spectral efficiency and reliability in wireless communications.

Claim 4

Original Legal Text

4. The method of claim 3 , wherein the at least one of the first PUCCH or the first PUSCH includes at least one of a hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) acknowledgement (ACK)/negative-acknowledgement (NACK) signal or a scheduling request (SR).

Plain English Translation

In wireless communication systems, particularly in 5G and beyond, efficient uplink control signaling is critical for reliable data transmission. A key challenge is optimizing the transmission of control information, such as hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) acknowledgements (ACK/NACK) and scheduling requests (SR), to minimize overhead and latency while ensuring robustness. This invention addresses the challenge by enhancing uplink control signaling in a wireless communication system. The method involves transmitting control information using at least one of a physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) or a physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH). The transmitted control information includes at least one of a HARQ ACK/NACK signal or a scheduling request (SR). The PUCCH is a dedicated control channel for transmitting uplink control information, while the PUSCH is primarily used for data transmission but can also carry control information when needed. By flexibly utilizing either or both channels, the system can adapt to varying traffic conditions and resource availability, improving efficiency and reliability. The method ensures that critical control signals are transmitted promptly, reducing latency and enhancing overall system performance. This approach is particularly useful in scenarios where uplink resources are constrained or dynamic adjustments are required.

Claim 5

Original Legal Text

5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the second transmission includes transmitting at least one of a second PUCCH or a second PUSCH.

Plain English Translation

A method for wireless communication involves transmitting control or data signals in a wireless network. The method addresses the need for efficient uplink communication in scenarios where multiple transmissions are required, such as in scenarios involving hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) feedback or uplink control information (UCI). The method includes transmitting a first signal, such as a physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) or physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH), and subsequently transmitting a second signal. The second transmission includes at least one of a second PUCCH or a second PUSCH, allowing for flexible and reliable communication in dynamic wireless environments. The second transmission may be used to convey additional control information, retransmit data, or provide feedback, enhancing the robustness and efficiency of the communication link. This approach is particularly useful in systems where multiple transmissions are needed to ensure data integrity and timely delivery of control signals. The method supports various configurations, including different transmission timings, resource allocations, and modulation schemes, to adapt to varying network conditions and requirements. By enabling multiple uplink transmissions, the method improves overall system performance and reliability in wireless communication networks.

Claim 6

Original Legal Text

6. The method of claim 5 , wherein the at least one of the second PUCCH or the second PUSCH includes a HARQ ACK/NACK signal and a SR.

Plain English Translation

A method for wireless communication involves transmitting control and data signals in a wireless network, particularly in scenarios where a user equipment (UE) needs to send both a hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) acknowledgment/negative acknowledgment (ACK/NACK) signal and a scheduling request (SR) to a base station. The method addresses the challenge of efficiently transmitting these signals without unnecessary resource overhead or delays, which can degrade network performance. The UE determines whether to transmit the HARQ ACK/NACK and SR signals using a second physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) or a second physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH). The second PUCCH or PUSCH is configured to carry both the HARQ ACK/NACK and SR signals simultaneously, allowing the UE to transmit both signals in a single transmission opportunity. This approach optimizes uplink resource utilization and reduces latency by avoiding separate transmissions for each signal. The method ensures reliable communication by dynamically selecting the appropriate channel based on network conditions and UE capabilities, enhancing overall system efficiency.

Claim 7

Original Legal Text

7. The method of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the first power or the second power is shared across the MCG and the SCG.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically to power management in dual-connectivity architectures where a user device communicates with both a master cell group (MCG) and a secondary cell group (SCG). The problem addressed is inefficient power allocation between the MCG and SCG, which can lead to suboptimal performance, increased energy consumption, or degraded user experience. The method involves dynamically sharing power resources between the MCG and SCG to optimize communication efficiency. At least one of the power levels assigned to the MCG or SCG is adjustable and can be allocated across both groups. This sharing mechanism ensures that power is distributed based on current network conditions, traffic demands, or device capabilities, improving overall system performance. The power-sharing approach may involve adjusting transmission power, reception sensitivity, or other power-related parameters to balance load and reduce interference. By dynamically allocating power, the system can enhance data throughput, reduce latency, and extend battery life in dual-connectivity scenarios. The method is particularly useful in 5G networks where devices frequently switch between different cell groups to maintain high-speed connectivity.

Claim 8

Original Legal Text

8. The method of claim 1 , wherein the determination that the scaling down of the second power violates the power reduction criterion comprises: a determination that an amount of power reduction of the second power exceeds a threshold amount.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to power management in electronic systems, specifically methods for dynamically adjusting power consumption while ensuring compliance with predefined power reduction criteria. The problem addressed is the need to efficiently scale down power levels in a system without violating operational constraints, such as exceeding allowable power reduction thresholds. The method involves monitoring power levels in a system, particularly a second power level that is being scaled down. A key aspect is determining whether the scaling down of this second power level violates a power reduction criterion. This determination is made by assessing whether the amount of power reduction exceeds a predefined threshold. If the reduction exceeds the threshold, the scaling down is adjusted or halted to maintain system stability and performance. The method ensures that power adjustments remain within safe operational limits, preventing potential system failures or performance degradation due to excessive power reduction. This approach is particularly useful in systems where power efficiency is critical, such as mobile devices, data centers, or embedded systems, where maintaining optimal power levels is essential for reliability and longevity.

Claim 9

Original Legal Text

9. A user equipment (UE) configured to perform a power scaling, the UE configured with a dual connectivity to a master cell group (MCG) and a secondary cell group (SCG) in a wireless communication network, and the UE comprising: a radio frequency (RF) receiver at least one processor; and at least one computer memory operably connectable to the at least one processor and storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, perform operations comprising: determining a first power for a first transmission in a first subframe toward the MCG; determining a second power for a second transmission toward the SCG; and scale down the second power for the second transmission toward the SCG based on: (i) a total power related to the MCG and the SCG exceeding a maximum power, and (ii) the first transmission toward the MCG in the first subframe overlapping with the second transmission toward the SCG, wherein based on a determination that the scaling down of the second power violates a power reduction criterion: the UE does not perform the second transmission toward the SCG.

Plain English Translation

In wireless communication networks, user equipment (UE) operating in dual connectivity mode with both a master cell group (MCG) and a secondary cell group (SCG) may face power constraints when simultaneous transmissions to both groups are required. The invention addresses the problem of power scaling in such scenarios to prevent exceeding the UE's maximum transmission power while ensuring efficient communication. The UE includes an RF receiver, at least one processor, and a computer memory storing instructions for power management. The UE determines a first power level for transmitting data to the MCG in a given subframe and a second power level for transmitting data to the SCG. If the combined power of both transmissions exceeds the UE's maximum allowable power and the transmissions overlap in time, the UE scales down the power for the SCG transmission. If this scaling violates a predefined power reduction criterion, the UE refrains from transmitting to the SCG entirely. This approach ensures compliance with power limits while maintaining communication reliability. The solution is particularly relevant in dual-connectivity scenarios where power management is critical to avoid interference and ensure efficient resource utilization.

Claim 10

Original Legal Text

10. The UE of claim 9 , wherein the first power for the first transmission toward the MCG is not scaled down based on the maximum power not being exceeded.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to power control in wireless communication systems, specifically for user equipment (UE) operating with dual connectivity to a master cell group (MCG) and a secondary cell group (SCG). The problem addressed is ensuring proper power allocation when transmitting simultaneously to both cell groups, particularly when the total transmission power would otherwise exceed the UE's maximum allowed power. The UE includes a power control module that determines a first power for a first transmission toward the MCG and a second power for a second transmission toward the SCG. If the sum of these powers exceeds the UE's maximum allowed power, the power control module scales down the second power for the SCG transmission while maintaining the first power for the MCG transmission at its original level. This ensures that the MCG transmission, which is typically more critical for maintaining connectivity, is prioritized. The scaling is performed based on predefined rules or algorithms to ensure fair and efficient power distribution between the two transmissions. The invention also includes mechanisms to dynamically adjust the power allocation based on changing network conditions or UE capabilities. This approach optimizes power usage while minimizing interference and maintaining reliable communication with both cell groups.

Claim 11

Original Legal Text

11. The UE of claim 9 , wherein the first transmission includes transmitting at least one of a first physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) or a first physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH).

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically to user equipment (UE) transmitting control and data signals in a cellular network. The problem addressed is efficient uplink communication in scenarios where the UE needs to send both control information and data simultaneously or in close succession, ensuring reliable transmission while minimizing resource conflicts. The UE is configured to transmit a first signal, which includes at least one of a physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) or a physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH). The PUCCH carries control information such as acknowledgments, channel state reports, or scheduling requests, while the PUSCH carries user data. The transmission is optimized to handle cases where the UE must send both types of information, such as when acknowledging a downlink transmission while also transmitting uplink data. The system may prioritize one type of transmission over the other based on network conditions or service requirements, ensuring efficient use of uplink resources. The invention may also include mechanisms to avoid collisions or overlaps between PUCCH and PUSCH transmissions, improving overall communication reliability.

Claim 12

Original Legal Text

12. The UE of claim 11 , wherein the at least one of the first PUCCH or the first PUSCH includes at least one of a hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) acknowledgement (ACK)/negative-acknowledgement (NACK) signal or a scheduling request (SR).

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically to user equipment (UE) configured to transmit control information over uplink channels in a cellular network. The problem addressed is the efficient transmission of uplink control information, such as hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) acknowledgements (ACK/NACK) and scheduling requests (SR), to optimize resource utilization and reduce latency. The UE is designed to transmit at least one of a physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) or a physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) carrying control information. The PUCCH is a dedicated control channel used for transmitting uplink control signals, while the PUSCH is primarily used for data transmission but can also carry control information when needed. The UE determines whether to use the PUCCH or PUSCH based on network conditions, resource availability, or other operational factors. The transmitted control information includes at least one of a HARQ ACK/NACK signal, which indicates successful or failed reception of downlink data, or a scheduling request (SR), which requests uplink resources for data transmission. The UE dynamically selects the appropriate channel and control information to transmit, ensuring efficient use of uplink resources while maintaining reliable communication with the network. This approach helps reduce signaling overhead and improves overall system performance.

Claim 13

Original Legal Text

13. The UE of claim 9 , wherein the second transmission includes transmitting at least one of a second PUCCH or a second PUSCH.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically to user equipment (UE) operations in uplink control and data transmissions. The problem addressed involves optimizing uplink signaling in scenarios where a UE needs to transmit control information or data under certain conditions, such as when a first transmission (e.g., a first PUCCH or PUSCH) is not successfully received by a base station. The UE is configured to perform a second transmission when a first transmission fails or is not acknowledged. The second transmission includes at least one of a second Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH) or a second Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH). The PUCCH is used for transmitting control information like HARQ-ACK feedback, while the PUSCH carries user data. The second transmission may be triggered by a lack of acknowledgment (ACK) for the first transmission or other predefined conditions. The UE may adjust transmission parameters, such as timing, power, or resources, for the second transmission to improve reliability. This mechanism ensures robust uplink communication by retransmitting critical information when initial transmissions are not successfully received.

Claim 14

Original Legal Text

14. The UE of claim 13 , wherein the at least one of the second PUCCH or the second PUSCH includes a HARQ ACK/NACK signal and a SR.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically to user equipment (UE) configured to transmit hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) acknowledgment/negative acknowledgment (ACK/NACK) signals and scheduling requests (SR) over uplink control channels (PUCCH) or uplink shared channels (PUSCH). The problem addressed is the efficient transmission of multiple types of uplink control information (UCI) in scenarios where the UE has limited resources or conflicting transmission requirements. The UE is configured to transmit a first PUCCH or PUSCH carrying a HARQ ACK/NACK signal and a SR. When additional UCI needs to be transmitted, the UE sends a second PUCCH or PUSCH that also includes a HARQ ACK/NACK signal and a SR. The second transmission may occur in the same or a different subframe as the first transmission, depending on resource availability and network conditions. The UE determines the appropriate transmission format and resources based on predefined rules or dynamic signaling from the network. This ensures reliable delivery of critical control information while optimizing resource usage. The invention improves uplink efficiency by allowing simultaneous or sequential transmission of HARQ feedback and scheduling requests, reducing latency and improving overall system performance.

Claim 15

Original Legal Text

15. The UE of claim 9 , wherein at least one of the first power or the second power is shared across the MCG and the SCG.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically to power management in user equipment (UE) operating with dual connectivity, such as in LTE-NR dual connectivity (EN-DC) or similar architectures. The problem addressed is efficient power allocation between a master cell group (MCG) and a secondary cell group (SCG) to optimize performance and battery life. The UE includes a power control module that dynamically adjusts transmission power for uplink communications. The power control module determines a first power level for the MCG and a second power level for the SCG. At least one of these power levels is shared or coordinated between the MCG and SCG, ensuring that power resources are allocated efficiently without excessive overhead or conflicts. This sharing may involve using a common power budget, prioritizing critical communications, or dynamically reallocating power based on network conditions. The UE also includes a scheduling module that coordinates uplink transmissions between the MCG and SCG, ensuring that power adjustments do not disrupt communication quality. The power control module may further adjust power levels based on signal quality, interference levels, or energy efficiency requirements. The invention improves battery efficiency and network performance by avoiding redundant power calculations and ensuring balanced power distribution between the two cell groups.

Claim 16

Original Legal Text

16. The UE of claim 9 , wherein the determination that the scaling down of the second power violates the power reduction criterion comprises: a determination that an amount of power reduction of the second power exceeds a threshold amount.

Plain English Translation

A system and method for managing power control in a user equipment (UE) device within a wireless communication network addresses the challenge of ensuring efficient power usage while maintaining communication reliability. The UE monitors and adjusts its transmission power to avoid interference and comply with network regulations. Specifically, the UE evaluates whether scaling down its transmission power violates predefined power reduction criteria. This evaluation involves determining if the reduction in power exceeds a specified threshold, ensuring that the power adjustment does not compromise signal quality or network performance. The UE may also compare the adjusted power level against a minimum power threshold to prevent excessive reduction that could lead to communication failures. Additionally, the system may consider the UE's current power state, such as whether it is in an active or idle mode, to dynamically adjust power control parameters. The solution ensures that power adjustments are both effective and compliant with network standards, optimizing energy efficiency without sacrificing communication reliability.

Patent Metadata

Filing Date

Unknown

Publication Date

March 17, 2020

Inventors

Daesung Hwang
Yunjung Yi
Joonkui Ahn
Suckchel Yang

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Cite as: Patentable. “UPLINK POWER CONTROL IN DUAL CONNECTIVITY TO FIRST OR SECOND CELL GROUP BASED ON FIRST OR SECOND CONFIGURATION” (10595277). https://patentable.app/patents/10595277

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